Esophageal perforations after forceful dilatation in achalasia

The reported incidence of esophageal perforation after forceful dilatation in achalasia is between 1-5%. Over the past nine years we have treated five patients with this complication. After demonstrating the perforation with Gastrografin swallow, a left posterolateral thoracotomy is made. The full-thickness laceration is sutured in two layers. A Heller esophagocardiomyotomy is then performed on the contralateral side of the esophagus. The muscular layer on either side of the esophagocardiomyotomy is mobilized well so as to allow easy closure of the outer muscular layer of the esophagus in the area of the laceration. There were no deaths and minimal morbidity in these five patients, and functional results were excellent. It is concluded that perforations of the esophagus after dilatation in achalasia should be operated upon promptly and undergo closure of the laceration with a complimentary esophagocardiomyotomy.